COVID-19 Restrictions Eased on Funerals
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced Queenslanders will be permitted to have up to 100 people in attendance at funerals.
The announcement comes as the State Government moves to further ease COVID-19 restrictions with the Premier confirming no new cases of the virus had been recorded in Queensland over Sunday night.
Ziggy Ramo - Black Thoughts
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Article with Ziggy Ramo written by Emma Jones of Purple Sneakers:
Ziggy Ramo's brand new album titled 'Black Thoughts' is vital listening for everyone right now as its release coincides with record-breaking protests around the country for #BlackLivesMatter.
An extrapolation of his EP of the same name four years ago, Ramo took to social media to announce its release. Accompanied by a caption directing fans to the album, Ramo shared an image detailing some of his thoughts on Saturday (June 6th) morning.
“Australia before we march today, I ask you to reflect why you are marching,” Ramo said. He went onto explain this album was actually written five years ago during a time when the rapper was in a “dark space,” and that while he wishes that the album had dated in terms of subject matter, it was sadly just as necessary now as it was half a decade ago, and maybe even more so.
“I wanted to document my thoughts so that our stories could be heard after I was gone. With the love and support of family and friends I was able to rediscover hope. The album was very healing for me, but I never put it out because I knew as a country we weren’t ready to listen” he shared.
“I wish it was dated. I wish there was no need for it. But unfortunately, it’s more relevant than ever and I refuse to wait any longer.”
Across sixteen songs including three interludes, Ramo distills his experiences growing up indigenous in Australia. His anger and hurt is palpable as he generously details his life so far, while taking aim at the systems that have oppressed First Nations people for 230 years.
As Ramo said on social media, Black Thoughts is necessary listening for white Australians. It’s rightly uncomfortable, confronting and not meant to be a gentle listen, but it is also powerful, educational and profound. With Black Thoughts, Ramo shares a deeply personal record that elevates him to a formidable artist and storyteller. We might only be in June, but Black Thoughts is already one of this year’s best albums.
“This album is not the answer to the question,” He wrote. “It’s a starting point of continued conversation. A lot of you have been asking what you can do to support change during this time. You can start by listening.”
Written by Emma Jones - Purple Sneakers
with direct quotes from Ziggy Ramo's Twitter.
Listen to the album of the week on 4ZZZ, 102.1fm, ZED Digital and streaming online at 4zzz.org.au and iHeartRadio
15th June 2020
Rajiv Jayaweera: Pistils (Outside In Music / Earshift Music)^
Pistils by Rajiv JayaweeraStevan: Just Kids (Mixtape)(Astral People)^
Zedlines - June 13
[Image: CC\Horizon2035]
New York Airport Terminal Reopens after Renovations while COVID Impacts Airline Industry
New York’s LaGuardia Airport will open its renovated Terminal B to the public today as COVID-19 continues to impact air travel around the world.
The terminal is the latest section to open in the airport’s $8 billion renovations designed to transform the airport from the “most stressful airport in America” to a transport hub for the 21st century.
Amnesty International Calls for EU to Investigate Police Violence in Croatia
Human rights group Amnesty International is calling for the European Commission to investigate alleged police violence against migrants attempting to enter Croatia.
Amnesty says the European Union is complicit in police abuse against migrants, refugees and asylum seekers through its silence.
Award Winning Photo of Burns Survivor to be Broadcast into Space
An award-winning photo of Cairns burns survivor Carol Mayer will be one of 200 to be broadcast into space.
Mrs Mayer’s life was dramatically changed when her Cairns home was engulfed in flames in 2000, leaving 85% of her body burnt.
Brian Cassey, who took the photos, has won many awards for the photos, including the Portrait of Humanity 2020 shortlist which will be exhibited in space via a screen launched into the stratosphere.
NSW Government Approves $3.6b Coal Stem Gas Project in Narrabri
The NSW State government formally recommended to the State’s Independent Planning Commission that a $3.6 billion dollar project to drill for coal seam gas in Narrabri, northern New South Wales, be approved yesterday.
A spokesperson for the New south wales Greens, Abigail Boyd, says, “Minister Stokes must now allow the IPC to respect community opposition and not use COVID-19 as an excuse to restrict public hearings.”
National Day of Action proceeds with Police Authorisation
A National Day of Action for refugees will proceed in Brisbane today with authorisation by police.
The news comes after a similar rally in Sydney was denied authorisation by police. Protesters say Notices of Intention for nine different groups of twenty people to gather at Kangaroo Point have been issued to Queensland Police.
Brisbane City Council Trial Recycling Tires into Road Building
Brisbane City Council is set to trial utilising used tires in the road-building process in an effort to reduce the number of tyres in landfill.
The council says that this new blend will last up to 10 years longer as the rubber from the used tyres will prevent oxidation of the bitumen surface.
The trial will begin at the end of the year.